Successful dog lead training pays off

It is a good idea to start dog lead training early perhaps when your
puppy is about 8 weeks old.

Ensure your puppy is happy wearing his
collar, some breeders may have already started placing a ribbon or light
collar on your puppy to get him started.

Let him get used to a lead by clipping it on his collar and
letting him drag it around the house for a few minutes over a couple of
days, watch out he does not chew it.

Next take hold of the lead and
follow him around, before expecting him to follow you.

Start your dog lead training with a walk around,inside your
house, if your dog pulls forward change direction clockwise and walk
into another room, when he walks with you, praise give treat, then
progress to outside.

You should have no trouble getting your puppy to
return to you as he knows you have treats, as his training progresses
praises will be sufficient with an occasional treat.

Preparation

As your dog lead training progresses you need to train your dog
to sit while the lead is attached to the collar or harness. If your dog
sits quietly give a treat and praise, once this is established give only
the praise.

If your dachshund is leaping and pulling on the lead wanting
to get going, this is not being in control just stand until he has
calmed down, then start your walk.

Walk around inside your house,to start with, if your dog pulls
forward change direction clockwise and walk into another room, when he
walks with you, praise give treat, then progress to outside.

You should
have no trouble getting your puppy to return to you as he knows you have
treats, as his training progresses praises will be sufficient with an
occasional treat.

Training

Start training with a collar and short lead to give better control and keep your puppy close to you.

You have the choice of using a
collar
or a dog harness, which does not put pressure on the neck and spine.

A good command for walking is “Let’s go” hold the lead in
your right hand and any treat in you left,as well as taking up the slack
of the lead, you want your dog to walk close to your left side, take
several treats in your pocket.

It is a good idea to start walks in your own back yard, where he
is familiar and will not be over excited by a new environment.

Remember
if he tries to pull you or is jumping about, just stop immediately and
stand until he quietens down, you may stand for several minutes, but do
not move off until he is quiet, give treat and praise.

When you feel you are both ready, extend your walk to another
environment. When you are in the early days of dog lead training try to
choose somewhere that is not too busy with people and other dogs, so
your dog will stay focused on you.

Give plenty of praise and a reward,when you have complete basic
lead training with a short lead, you may progress to a leash that is
long enough to allow your puppy to explore and play and then return to
you, give rewards when he returns, to encourage him to return to you.

Final word on lead training

Leads or leashes are available as retractable or extendable and
in a variety of lengths up to 20 ft these allow your dog to have of
freedom while still in your control and allow for exploration, but at
the push of a button it takes up the slack.

When your dog lead training is completed successfully it should
be a pleasure to take your dog for a walk and you will both enjoy the
exercise and not feel you have one arm longer than the other with a dog
that pulls.